Beers of the world coming to Birkdale’s Barrel House

A BIRKDALE newsagent has started work on transforming his business into a craft beer shop.

Martin Bos told the Visiter that the imminent arrival of a Sainsbury’s Local store across the road forced him to think about a change in direction.

Martin’s wife Pam and two sons are now busy helping him strip away the last vestiges of his paper shop, and build a new business based around beer.

Martin said: “It will be called the Barrel House, and it will feature an international selection of beer. We will sell Southport Brewery beers, and good European lagers too.”

Martin revealed that the new venture will be similar to the Inn Beer shop on Lord Street, but with one crucial difference.

He added: “We will be serving hot food, cakes and coffee too. Hopefully we can offer something slightly different, with a Dutch and Indonesian influence.”

Martin explained that he has decided not to sever his links with the past entirely, and that the shop will still deliver newspapers.

He added: “Newspapers are still popular, but the new Sainsbury’s will make it harder for small shops in the village. We had to think again.”

Martin also discussed the issue of parking in Birkdale village. He added: “I do not think people need two hours in the bays. A one-hour limit would be better because it would provide parking spaces for more people.”

Sainsbury’s is expected to open a Local store in the former Gastro building later this year.

Although a planning application to alter the front of the building has now been withdrawn, the supermarket is expected to open a Local store later this year.

Thousands of Birkdale traders have signed petitions against the move.

New Birkdale Traders Association were also instrumental in leading opposition to the application.

Its members fear the new store will undermine them, and increase congestion and parking problems in the village. Sainsbury’s has, however, written to scores of residents and traders in the village, saying that the new local store in Liverpool Road would complement rather than compete with the existing shops in the village, and bring up to 20 new jobs.

The Editor

Andrew Brown

Andrew Brown is the editor of the Southport Visiter, Midweek Visiter, Formby Times, Ormskirk Advertiser, Skelmersdale Advertiser, and the Crosby Herald. Andrew was born and bred in Southport - a true Sandgrounder. Andrew was one of the founders of Southport's Charity Fun Fest.